May 14, 2022
What does it say?
The psalmist expounded upon the fact that no one can keep wealth after death.
What does it mean?
The writer of this psalm proposed a musical riddle challenging both the rich and the poor to ponder the reality that people cannot buy their way out of death or into Heaven. The rich are no better off after death because of their wealth in this life. The question he proposed then was why anyone should fear difficult times or people who amass wealth by cheating and conning others. A person who has been prosperous but has no spiritual understanding will stand before the Lord bankrupt, whereas someone with a personal knowledge of God has spiritual wealth that lasts beyond the challenges of this life.
How should I respond?
The Bible doesn’t say that having money is wrong. Believers from every generation have used personal wealth for the cause of Christ. The problem is with our tendency to depend on money rather than to depend upon God. The amount of money in your bank account should be less of a concern than the thought of being spiritually bankrupt when you stand before the Lord. Are you more focused on growing your wealth in this world or in laying up treasures for eternity (Matt. 6:19-34)? If God has blessed you financially, how will you invest those resources in God’s work this week? Regardless of your financial status, choose to place your faith and security in God, not in what He provides.